Quantum Field Theory, as Simply as Possible

Description

An exceptionally accessible introduction to quantum field theory Quantum field theory is by far the most spectacularly successful theory in physics, but also one of the most mystifying. Quantum Field Theory, as Simply as Possible provides an essential primer on the subject, giving readers the conceptual foundations they need to wrap their heads around one of the most important yet baffling subjects in physics. Quantum field theory grew out of quantum mechanics in the late 1930s and was developed by a generation of brilliant young theorists, including Julian Schwinger and Richard Feynman. Their predictions were experimentally verified to an astounding accuracy unmatched by the rest of physics. Quantum field theory unifies quantum mechanics and special relativity, thus providing the framework for understanding the quantum mysteries of the subatomic world. With his trademark blend of wit and physical insight, A. Zee guides readers from the classical notion of the field to the modern frontiers of quantum field theory, covering a host of topics along the way, including antimatter, Feynman diagrams, virtual particles, the path integral, quantum chromodynamics, electroweak unification, grand unification, and quantum gravity. A unique and valuable introduction for students and general readers alike, Quantum Field Theory, as Simply as Possible explains how quantum field theory informs our understanding of the universe, and how it can shed light on some of the deepest mysteries of physics. Review: Extraordinary book! - What a masterpiece! Witty, informative, and fascinating. Technical notes at the end of chapters are very welcome. I wish everyone did that. I do data analytics / data science professionally, and being able to pick up a book and understand what’s happening at the frontiers of physics (which has always been my passion that I unfortunately did not follow) is to me incredible. Very thankful to the author for producing this masterpiece. Review: Excellent introduction for the amateur enthusiast! - If the author is reading these reviews, I would like to thank him sincerely for writing this book. I am a social scientist by training. My field of study has nothing to do with quantum field theory. But I have always regretted not having taken the other path when I was 18, so finally I ordered this book once the popular science books were no longer satisfactory: I needed to understand the intuitive logic that informs the formulas and all the calculation that goes into explaining the behavior of an electron. Alas, this is THE book. Prof. Zee is highly entertaining too, and my husband was really wondering why I was LOL'ing while reading a book called Quantum Field Theory. I took this book to a camping trip with me. My son spilled water all over it so I ordered a second copy and I am dedicated to keep it dry and clean this time! I cannot recommend this book highly enough--if you have some background in calculus, things will make more sense. I now know what those Feynman diagrams mean and what Dirac did! Thanks a million for writing this book!